Universal Service Fund (USF) would set-up Benazir Multipurpose Community Telecentres (MCTs) soon to provide benefits of ICT facilities to population of rural areas. "Those who do not have access to modern Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) would be facilitated under this pilot project, a senior official said on Sunday.
Talking to APP, the official said a team of USF has recently visited 25 potential sites for setting up such centres where the main service to be offered to the public, is access to computers and the Internet (e-mail and Web browsing etc).
He said equipment including PCs, basic furniture and other accessories, basic technical training and support, extended warranty arrangements with equipment vendors would be ensured for the Centres.
The other necessary things including basic software (like OS & Office), backup power arrangement (in case of solar backup the applicant will arrange for suitable open and covered space for installation of panels and other equipment) and Internet connectivity, preferably broadband (free of charge for the first year).
Talking about prerequisites for site selection, he said all proposed sites are in rural areas and the Mauzas selected have a population above 5000.
Replying to a question, he said all such entities who volunteer to operate such Telecenters (MCT Operators) will arrange furnished space for the MCT-this should be at a location, accessible to the general public and acceptable to Universal Service Fund, open at least 8 hours six days a week, ensure the operational and financial sustainability of the MCT for a period of at least three years by implementing revenue generation services for the general public.
The services that are essential to be provided include Public Call Office, Fax, Photocopying, Printing and Scanning, E-mail, Internet/web browsing and general purpose computing facilities and Basic Video Conferencing using web cam.
He said applications have been invited from firms, corporations, NGOs, Public Sector Organisations and other entities, Rural Support Programs (RSPs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to operate Benazir MCTs for which USF will provide technical support.
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